Kitty Cats: “Enjoying the Ride!”

Getting your cat or cats to their veterinary visits is important and often challenging.Â Â

The safe mode of transportation is a carrier, and it can be your cat’s happy place.

Please try these suggestions:

1. Do not wait until appointment day to drag the cat carrier from storage. Instead, have it sitting out with theÂ door open (or temporarily removed) and put a soft blanket or towel, a few toys and treats insideÂ so yourÂ kitty may explore. You will know that a visitÂ has occurred if the treats are gone or the blanket is rustled. Â If you see yourÂ kitty in theÂ carrier give him or her someÂ verbal praise and a treat.

2. Practice runs may be helpful if you have time. Â Simply close theÂ carrier door and walk around the very familiar house with your pet. Â Going to pick up some fast food? Â Take your kitty for a ride and when the two of you return, you get dinner and kitty gets rewarded with treats.

3. Appointment day is here. Please be calm as cats tune in to your stress. I suggest putting the familiar carrier, kitty and you into a small room with door closed. Â If entering carrier with ease isn’t happening at least you won’t be playing “chase the cat” throughout your home. Sit carrier upright and allow gravity to assist you by dropping pet in feet first. Bring a towel or small blanket that smells familiar to cover carrier if he or she is frightened in theÂ car, and remember hiding keeps yourÂ kitty feeling safe.

4. Have you dealt with motion sickness or accidents in theÂ carrier that have you rollingÂ down the windows? Â Don’t feed 3-4 hours before yourÂ trip. Â An extraÂ towel, blanket, or multiple paper towels willÂ prevent kitty from becoming soiled and we know cats love to be clean.

Contact us at (304)594-1124 or staff@www.cheatlakevets.comÂ if you have any questions about traveling safe with your kitty!

Related

Leave a comment

Clinic Hours

Emergency or Urgent Care Fee will apply when appropriate during and outside regular business hours.

Proud Sponsor of

and

Search

Our Mission

To provide the highest quality medical care, grooming, and boarding services for companion animals, keeping in mind the sensitivity and individuality of the pet along with the emotional and financial needs of the client.